Woman faces prison time in animal cruelty case

A northern Michigan woman faces up to four years in prison when she's sentenced in an animal cruelty case involving dogs and miniature horses.

The Alpena News reports 35-year-old Jennifer Elen Tucker-Richard pleaded guilty Monday to charges including animal cruelty or abandonment. Sentencing is set for April 22 in 26th Circuit Court. She also could be ordered to perform 500 hours of community service and pay fines.

Defense lawyer James Schmier says Tucker-Richard didn't torture the animals. He says she was selling the dogs to make money.

Montmorency County sheriff's deputies in January confiscated 37 dogs and six miniature horses from her property near Hillman, about 85 miles northeast of Traverse City. Officials say the animals lacked basic care and didn't have food, drinkable water or proper shelter.